Fabio plumps for Crouch

Crouch & Rooney: Paired in attack

Fabio Capello is set to pair Peter Crouch and Wayne Rooney in attack on Tuesday, as Darren Bent has a knock.

Sunderland striker Bent was hoping to take advantage of England's limited options in attack, having broken his international duck against Switzerland last time out.

However, he has picked up an untimely injury and will not be risked in a midweek Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro.

Tottenham frontman Crouch is set to get the nod instead, with his partnership with Rooney having worked well in the past.

Capello told Sky Sports News: "Darren Bent is out. I think we will play Crouch. Bent has suffered a little pain."

While disappointed to lose Bent, Capello is pleased with what he has seen from Rooney this week.

The Manchester United talisman was carrying a slight ankle problem when he reported for international duty, but is fit and raring to go.

"I spoke to him and he told me he is okay," Capello said on Rooney.

"During training he has done very well, without pain in his ankle. He is in a good moment and was happy to stay here. I hope he will play tomorrow with the same style as he did against Switzerland."

Confidence

While happy with the options he has up front, which include Bolton's Kevin Davies, Capello is equally as pleased with his defensive choices.

Rio Ferdinand is back from injury, and has retained the captain's armband, and he is set to be paired alongside Manchester City's Joleon Lescott at the heart of the back four.

Capello said: "I have big confidence in these players. Lescott played very well against Switzerland, Rio's fit and is a fantastic player. The players that are here are in a good moment.

"I have worked with the back four during the days we have had together. I think they will be okay together."

Meanwhile, Capello has aired his opinion on the debate that the Three Lions' next coach should be English.

The Italian does not buy into that belief, with the modern game littered with foreign coaches.

He said: "This question is not for me, this question is for Sir Trevor (Brooking) and the other people. They have to decide. I know that a lot of foreign managers are now training different countries - Russia, Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria. It is nothing new."